Editor’s Note: Photographs in this article were taken by ENN Director Phil Cross.
The OKC Homeschool Patriots finally returned to South Sante Fe Charter school stadium to host the Lighthouse Christian Chargers for their homecoming game. The game is the first after a series of out-of-state games and a bye week.
The Patriots came into the game 4-3 while the Chargers came in at 2-5. The Patriots are undefeated at home and that strong home-field advantage would keep it that way with a dominating performance winning 55-24 win over the Missouri team.
The Patriots started off the scoring, cashing a 39-yard touchdown run from Jordon Poe after their defense forced a turnover on downs.
The Charger’s first points came just after five minutes into the first quarter making it seem like the night could be a close game. But just a few moments later Patriots quarterback Blake Smith would score off a QB power run, setting the tone for the rest of the game and making the score 21-7 right before the second quarter.
The Patriots would continue their all around dominance into the second quarter holding the Chargers to no points for the rest of the half. They would do so by controlling the time of possession with a strong combined running game. Smith would continue his strong running game extending the lead to 28-7 with just over four minutes left to go in the second quarter.
The Patriots would add two more scores in the third quarter creating a large cushion entering the fourth quarter. Early in the fourth running back Blaise Ihrig would ice the game with a 69 yard touchdown run with just under 10 minutes in the quarter. Blake Smith and Blaise Ihrig would both step up on each side of the ball contributing to multiple scores and defensive stops.
Next week the Patriots will finish their regular season at home against Tulsa Noah with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff time. Both teams come into the game with only three losses with the Patriots at 5-3 and Tulsa at 7-3. A win for the Patriots should secure them an invitation to the national homeschool playoffs.
